Wandering Soul Beer
Craft brewery based in Beverly, Massachusetts, producing small-batch beers including the award-winning Melody Maker. Founded by Matt Smith after personal tragedy inspired a mission-driven brewing philosophy.
The Story
Wandering Soul Beer is a craft brewery founded by Matt Smith in Beverly, Massachusetts. The brand was born from profound personal tragedy: in 2017, Smith's daughter Melody was stillborn at full term, and he channeled his grief into creating Melody Maker, a New England-style hazy pale ale that became the foundation of Wandering Soul Beer. Smith has been in the beer industry for approximately fifteen years, working for other breweries and home brewing before launching his own brand.
The business gained traction quickly, with its best year coming in 2020 during the pandemic when sales reached nearly half a million dollars. Smith shut the business down at the end of 2022, feeling he had accomplished his goals and wanting to exit on a high note, but brought it back the following year after persistent customer demand. He now works with a distributor after seven years of personal delivery, runs operations from his home office, and is focused on maintaining a healthy separation between his business identity and personal life.
The brewery continues to produce small-batch beers and has expanded into non-alcoholic options under the Hidden Path brand, reflecting Matt's commitment to inclusive brewing and sustainable growth.
Key Facts & Metrics
Products
Everything Happens Pale Ale
WANDERING SOUL BEER CO Pale Ale Everything Happens, 4pk, 16 Fl Oz Cans. New England-style pale ale with notes of citrus and tropical fruit.
Melody Maker
New England-style hazy pale ale created by Matt Smith in memory of his stillborn daughter Melody. 6.5% ABV with notes of citrus and tropical fruit.
The Brightest Star IPA
WANDERING SOUL BEER CO IPA The Brightest Star, 4pk, 16 Fl Oz Cans. 6.5% ABV India Pale Ale with bold hop character.
Company Timeline
2017 — Personal tragedy and Melody Maker creation
After the stillbirth of his daughter Melody, Smith created Melody Maker beer as a way to process grief and honor her memory.
2020 — Peak sales during COVID-19
Reached nearly half a million dollars in sales as at-home consumption surged, making it the brand's best year.
2022 — Shut down the business
Ended operations feeling he had accomplished his goals and wanting to exit on a high note after years of personal delivery and hands-on brewing.
2023 — Revived Wandering Soul Beer
Brought the brand back after persistent customer demand, signing with a distributor and refocusing on sustainable growth.
